The Minnesota Vikings have a decision to make at quarterback this offseason, but it looks like Sam Darnold could command a contract in free agency that makes it easy to move on to first-round pick J.J.

That was before quarterback guru Kevin O'Connell arrived in Minnesota. He's made the Vikings a dream destination for any quarterback looking for a change of scenery, including Fields, who named Minnesota one of his four preferred destinations in a trade last year.

The Minnesota Vikings are keeping an eye on J.J. McCarthy’s rehab as he recovers from a torn meniscus that ended his rookie season before it ever began. How he continues to progress will determine how the Vikings answer the most pertinent question about the most important position.

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Signed by the Vikings in March on a one-year, $10 million deal, Darnold — starting over injured rookie J.J. McCarthy, who underwent surgery for his meniscus during preseason — helped lead Minnesota to a 14-3 regular season record that boasted a nine-game win streak.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was announced as a finalist for the National Football League’s Comeback Player of The Year award. Vikings coach Kevin

Minnesota was intrigued with Darnold after he spent time learning from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, one of the league’s best offensive minds. Kevin O’Connell built on that, helping get Darnold selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time.

Would Minnesota get the most value by franchise-tagging its quarterback? Who actually makes the final decisions on draft night?

Tyler Forness talks about the Minnesota Vikings offseason plans with Sam Darnold. While the Vikings would probably love to sign Darnold to a long-term deal, there might be something standing in their way.

Darnold is now making the most of his time off ahead of what should be a very interesting offseason. On Friday, his girlfriend, Katie Hoofnagle, took to Instagram to share an offseason update on the former USC star. Apparently, Darnold appears to have taken up a new hobby.

Martin followed, “I want no part of this place.” Darnold was the Jets’ first-round pick (No. 3 overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft. He played three seasons in New York before being traded to the Carolina Panthers for a 2021 sixth-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick, and a fourth-round pick in 2022.